Child and Youth Program Assistant

Navy Region Northwest Fleet and Family Readiness (FFR); Oak Harbor (WA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

Navy Region Northwest Fleet and Family Readiness (FFR) invites applicants to join the CYP team as a CYP Assistant. You will engage children and youth, help develop social skills, and ensure safe, healthy activities in daily programs.

Responsibilities include planning age-appropriate curricula, supervising indoor and outdoor activities, communicating with parents and staff, documenting progress, and ensuring compliance with DoD standards.

Qualifications

• Must communicate effectively in English, orally and in writing.
• Must complete DoN training requirements within the specified timeframe.
• Must pass all background checks.
• Must provide high school diploma or GED or college transcripts showing degree awarded.
• Prior experience with children/youth preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develops schedules and activity plans for children and youth.
• Implements activities addressing physical, social, emotional, and cognitive needs.
• Maintains safe supervision and accountability for whereabouts and safety.
• Communicates professionally with parents and staff.
• Observes development and documents progress for planning.
• Ensures compliance with DoD certification and regulations.

Skills

Communicate effectively in English

Follow verbal and written instructions

Promote effective workingRelationships

Work cooperatively as a team member

Education

High school diploma or GED

College transcripts showing degree awarded

Job description

Summary

CYP Assistants work directly with children and youth, keeping them actively engaged, well cared for, and safe while participating in the CYP. The assistant helps children develop social skills, make healthy choices, build self‑help and school readiness skills, and explore the environment.

Duties

The duties are grouped into categories: curriculum; indoor and outdoor environment; interactions and relationships; supervision; parent and employee communication; assessment; compliance; and additional responsibilities.

Curriculum

• Develops schedules and activity plans, reviewing activities developed by entry‑level and intermediate‑level Educational Aids.
• Creates activity plans that meet the needs of individual children and youth.
• Implements activities, special events, and programs that address the physical, social, emotional, and cognitive needs of children and youth.
• Prepares and implements special programs for children with special requirements, providing care as directed by the supervisor.
• Demonstrates and facilitates planned and spontaneous program activities.
• Models developmentally appropriate practice and classroom/activity management techniques.
• Promotes safety, fitness, health, and nutrition practices.
• Arranges for or serves appropriate snacks or meals.

Indoor and Outdoor Environment

• Prepares, arranges, and maintains activity areas and materials.
• Sets up displays and bulletin boards.
• Inventories equipment and recommends replenishment.
• Secures supplies, equipment, and facilities.

Interactions and Relationships

• Establishes an engaging program environment that promotes positive interactions among children, youth, and adults.
• Interacts with children using approved child guidance and youth development techniques.

Supervision of Children and Youth

• Provides care and supervision, maintaining control and accounting for whereabouts and safety.
• Supervises daily indoor, outdoor activities, and outings.
• Ensures authorized departure in accordance with written parental instructions.
• Monitors for signs of illness, abuse, or neglect and reports as directed; is a mandatory reporter to Family Advocacy and Child Protective Services as required.

Parent and Employee Communication

• Communicates professionally with employees, parents, and local installation command personnel.
• Provides daily verbal or written feedback to parents.
• Participates in conferences with parents and employees.

Assessment

• Observes children and youth, documents developmental progression, and uses information for planning.
• Participates in program evaluation using rating scales, risk assessment tools, self‑inspection materials, and accreditation tools.

Compliance

• Assists in maintaining DoD certification and national accreditation.
• Ensures compliance with applicable laws, policies, and regulations.
• Notifies supervisor of health, fire, and safety compliance concerns.

Additional Responsibilities

• Collects, maintains, and reports program participation data.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Requirements – Conditions of Employment

• Must be 18 years of age or older.
• Complete required training certificates and maintain certifications required by Federal, State, and/or national accreditation institutions for DoD Child and Youth Programs.
• Pass all applicable records and background checks.
• Undergo pre‑employment and random drug testing; a positive drug test is grounds for removal.
• Pass a pre‑employment physical, provide evidence of immunization, be free of communicable diseases, and obtain appropriate vaccinations.
• Employment contingent upon proof of education if not provided at time of application.
• Marijuana is a Schedule I drug; use is illegal under Federal law. A positive test results in withdrawal of offer and ineligibility to apply for six months.
• The position is a Test Designated Position; incumbent will consent to pre‑employment and random drug testing.

Qualifications

1. Entry Level (CY-1702-01)
   • Communicate effectively in English, orally and in writing.
   • Follow verbal and written instructions.
   • Complete all DoN training requirements within the specified timeframe.
   • Promote effective working relationships with children, youth, and coworkers.
   • Work cooperatively as a team member.
2. Intermediate Level (CY-1702-01)
   • Knowledge of basic child and youth development principles.
   • Implement developmentally appropriate principles to provide quality direct care and education.
   • Interpret a curriculum or activity plan.
   • Follow written instructions.
   • Plan and organize activities and work cooperatively as a team member.
   • Six months of experience working with children or youth in a child‑and‑youth setting.
3. Target Level (CY-1702-02)
   • Knowledge of child and youth development principles to inform program response.
   • Skill to implement developmentally appropriate child and youth development practices.
   • Skill to promote and foster effective relationships.
   • Verbal communication skill to provide program information and explain procedures.
   • One year of experience working with children or youth in a child‑and‑youth setting.

Education

• Must provide a copy of high school diploma, GED, or college transcripts showing degree awarded.

Note: Prior experience working with children and/or youth is preferred.

Additional Information – Background Checks and Eligibility

• Complete all background checks for child care positions, including fingerprint checks and Tier 1 Child Care check.
• Complete Installation Records Check, which includes Substance Abuse Rehabilitation Program, Family Advocacy Program, and security/base checks.
• Incumbents will be automatically disqualified for certain convictions as described in DoDI 1402.05.
• Some positions may require a one‑year probationary period and participation in direct deposit within the first 30 days.
• Candidate must be committed to improving federal government efficiency and upholding the rule of law.